Breaking News: QB Riley Leonard Decommits From Notre Dame and Flip Commitment to Clemson Over Ohio State and Texas through Alabama
In a stunning development that has rocked the college football recruiting world, five-star quarterback Riley Leonard has officially decommitted from Notre Dame and announced his commitment to Clemson, choosing the Tigers over powerhouse programs like Ohio State and Texas. This unexpected move has left recruiting analysts and fans alike scrambling to understand the reasoning behind one of the most surprising flips of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Leonard, originally from Fairhope, Alabama, made waves in the recruiting world when he initially committed to Notre Dame back in 2024. The 6’4″, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback had been considered a top-tier prospect, with schools across the country vying for his services. Known for his strong arm, ability to read defenses, and natural playmaking ability, Leonard had drawn significant interest from elite programs. However, the news of his decision to flip his commitment to Clemson has now taken the spotlight.
The Decision to Decommit
For months, Leonard appeared solid in his commitment to the Fighting Irish, having built a strong relationship with Notre Dame’s coaching staff. But as the 2025 recruiting cycle progressed, it became clear that he had been fielding heavy interest from other programs, especially those in the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten. The tension surrounding his commitment began to rise in the weeks leading up to his final decision.
In a statement released on social media, Leonard cited his evolving relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff as a major factor in his decision to flip. “I’ve built a strong relationship with Coach Swinney and the Clemson staff over the last few months. The way they’ve developed quarterbacks and the winning culture there is something that I really want to be a part of,” Leonard wrote.
The Clemson Pull
Clemson, led by head coach Dabo Swinney, has consistently been one of the most successful programs in college football over the past decade, winning multiple ACC titles and a national championship. The Tigers have a rich history of developing quarterbacks, with former stars like Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence achieving tremendous success in the NFL.
Leonard’s decision to choose Clemson over the likes of Ohio State and Texas is a testament to the program’s continued success, as well as Swinney’s ability to attract top talent. Sources close to Leonard suggest that the opportunity to develop under Swinney’s tutelage, along with the appeal of joining a perennial College Football Playoff contender, were key factors in his decision.
The Ohio State and Texas Battle
Leonard had also been heavily pursued by two other juggernaut programs: Ohio State and Texas. Both schools, with their high-powered offenses and track records of success, were considered strong contenders to land the Alabama native. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has been a dominant force in the Big Ten and has seen consistent success in developing quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. Texas, with rising head coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm, has been a program on the upswing and was hoping to add Leonard to a rapidly improving roster.
However, Leonard ultimately chose Clemson, bypassing these two schools in favor of what he saw as a better fit for his playing style and long-term development. His decision to commit to Clemson is a huge win for the Tigers and a massive blow to both Ohio State and Texas, who were hoping to secure a signature from the highly touted quarterback.
Alabama Influence
Despite his decision to decommit from Notre Dame, it’s worth noting that Leonard’s decision wasn’t entirely surprising given his ties to Alabama. As a native of the state, Leonard had grown up with an affinity for Alabama football, and it’s rumored that the Crimson Tide made a late push for his commitment. However, Leonard ultimately chose Clemson, much to the disappointment of Alabama fans who had hoped to keep the top quarterback in-state.
Looking Ahead
With Riley Leonard now officially committed to Clemson, the Tigers have solidified their quarterback position for the foreseeable future. The program is poised for continued success, and Leonard’s commitment adds yet another top-tier recruit to a stellar class. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Texas will be left to adjust their recruiting strategies as they look for alternative quarterback options.
Leonard’s flip is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college football recruiting, where decisions can shift in an instant, and the allure of a program’s winning tradition can often sway even the most committed recruits. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will now be on Clemson as they continue to build their already impressive roster with the addition of one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects.
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